You’re ready to get this sitting thing started…but how do
you do that, exactly? Word-of-mouth is a good bet.

Start here

Let relatives, neighbors, church members, even teachers know
you’re open for business. Next, throw together a brief resume with your
background. Since you don’t have a mile-long list of past jobs, focus on any
experience that prepares you for babysitting (“As the older sister of triplets,
I can handle a small load of little ones”), accomplishments that showcase
responsibility (“I headed up the fifth-grade can drive”) and any interests you
have that might make you seem like someone the kids would have fun with (“I’m
an expert at making friendship bracelets”). Finally, list three trustworthy
references to back you up.

Get the deets

So you’ve put yourself out there and got the call. Congrats!
But before you agree to anything, know what you’re getting into. Have a chat
with the fam to get the basics—how many kids, their ages, when they need you.

Let’s talk $$$

Oh, and just how much moolah should you charge? Babysitting
is a business, so be reasonable—without selling yourself short. On average, GL
readers charge from $5 to $7 an hour. But that rate can vary depending on how
many kids and what is expected of you. In fact, 49 percent of GL girlies don’t
charge the same for every family and every job. Many even add an extra buck or
two an hour for each additional kid or extra household chores. Ask around to
get a consensus for what the going rate is, then take it from there.

Tell us, babes: How do you get your babysitting jobs and how much do you
charge?